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Kashmir - 2025 - Operation Sindoor

On 07 May 2025, India announced that the Indian Armed Forces had launched 'OPERATION SINDOOR', targeting "terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed", striking altogether, nine (9) sites, located both in Pakistan as well as Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) areas. According to India's statement, its actions were "focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted".

Pakistani Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif, the director-general of Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), told a news conference that there had been "24 impacts from India on six places" and that eight Pakistani citizens had been killed in the strikes, including a 16-year-old girl, while 35 others had been wounded and another eight initially missing. According to Pakistan, the sites struck by India were civilian in nature and reportedly included two mosques.

Pakistan's prime minister vowed to respond, claiming Pakistan had every right to give robust response to what he called an act of war, and scheduled an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee for 10 a.m. (local time) on May 7.

The country's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed that Pakistan's Air Force had shot down three Indian jets as well as one Indian drone, while Pakistani broadcaster Geo reported that Pakistan's armed forces had shot down "five Indian Air Force (IAF) jets." Pakistani Defense Minister Khwaja Asif said only civilian targets had been hit in the missile attack.

Muzaffarabad, capital of Pakistani Kashmir, lost electrical power following the attacks, resulting in a blackout. ISPR said India fired missiles at two other locations in addition to Muzaffarabad -- Kotli in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Bahawalpur in Punjab Province. The Bahawalpur and Muridke areas are considered centers for the terrorist groups Jaish-e Muhammad and Lashkar-e Jhangvi.

Pakistan suspended all flights and operations at the Lahore and Islamabad airports for the following 48 hours

The attack marked another escalatory step between the two nuclear-armed countries. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for military restraint from both countries, saying in a statement that "he world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan".

India and Pakistan exchanged artillery fire along the Line of Contact (LoC), with, according to the Indian army, Pakistani artillery fire occuring in in Bhimber Gali, and resulting in the deaths of three civilians in Indian-controlled Kashmir. India claimed 13 civilians to have been killed and 59 wounded during exchanges of fire across the border on May 7, and the army said an Indian soldier had also been killed by shelling.

On 08 May, Pakistan claimed to have shot down 25 drones using a mix of technical and weapons-based countermeasures, while a civilian had been killed in Sindh Province and four soldiers wounded in Lahore as a result of Indian drone strikes.

India claimed that, on "the night of 7 - 8 May 2025 Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets in Northern and Western India using drones and missiles. These places included Avantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Nal, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Falaudi, Uttarlai and Bhuj. These were neutralized by the Integrated Counter Unmanned Aerial System and other Air Defense systems." In turn, Indian armed forces retalitated on 08 May by targeting Air Defence radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan. Pakistan also reportedly increased the intensity of its firing across the Line of Control using mortar and heavy-caliber artillery in areas in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar and Rajouri sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.

As of 8 May, Pakistan claimed that 26 of its citizens had been killed and another 46 injured. Pakistan's Air Force claimed to have engaged Indian fighter jets in self-defense, while bringing down five Indian fighter aircraft, including a French Rafale jet, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the process. Pakistani authorities confirmed that Chinese-procured J-10C jets had participated in Pakistan's response to Indian attacks.

India claimed that, on "the night of 8th - 9th May 2025, Pakistan carried out multiple violations of Indian airspace along the entire western border with an intent to target military infrastructure. Pakistan military also resorted to firing of heavy-caliber weapons along the Line of Control. Along the International Border and Line of Control, drone intrusions were attempted from Leh to Sir Creek at 36 locations with approximately 300 to 400 drones. Indian Armed Forces brought down a number of these drones using kinetic and non-kinetic means. The possible purpose of these large-scale aerial intrusions were to test the AD systems and gather intelligence." Preliminary reports suggested the the drone debris to be of an ASISGUARD SONGAR drone made in Turkey. In addition, "later in the night, an armed UAV of Pakistan attempted to target Bathinda military station, which was detected and neutralized. In response to the Pakistani attack, armed drones were launched at four air defence sites in Pakistan. One of the drones was able to destroy an AD radar. Pakistan also carried out artillery shelling across the Line of Control using heavy-caliber artillery guns and armed drones at Tangdhar, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, Rajouri, Akhnoor and Udhampur in J&K area, which resulted in some losses and injuries to Indian Army personnel. Pakistan Army also suffered major losses in Indian retaliatory fire."

During a 09 May 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefing, Pakistan contested "the assertion that Pakistan escalated the situation through the Pahalgam Attack of 22 April 2025 is totally absurd. Till date, India has not been able to produce any credible and verifiable evidence of Pakistan's involvement in the attack. To the contrary, the acts of aggression committed by India's armed forces had the approval and support of its entire government. Thus, it is India that has escalated the situation by violating Pakistan's sovereignty and killing civilians. The Pakistani forces did not attack Pahalgam but the Indian forces did attack multiple locations in Pakistan. Accordingly, Pakistan reserves the right to take all appropriate measures in its self-defence, as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter."

India was reported to have launched attacks against three Pakistani airbases (Noor Khan Air base, Murid Airbase and Shorkot Airbase) using air-to-surface missiles launched from warplanes.

Late on 9 May, Pakistan launched a military operation in retaliation against India, striking a depot in Beas,Punjab Province, used to store Brahmos missiles. As a result of the the operation, codenamed Bunyanun Marsoos, an Arabic word taken from a verse in the Koran meaning a strong pillar, Pakistan claimed to have destroyed the facility. In addition, other sites were targeted, including the Pathankot Airfield and Udhampur Airforce Station, with these two struck using Pakistani Fatah 1 missiles.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for an emergency meeting of the National Command Authority to be held on May 10.

As of 10 May, Pakistan claimed to have downed more than 80 Indian drones over Pakistani airspace.

During a 10 May briefing, India stated that:

"Pakistani military continued with its provocations, carrying out aggressive actions employing multiple threat vectors all along the western border. Pakistan employed UCAV, drones, long-range weapons, loitering munitions and fighter aircrafts to target civilian areas and military infrastructure. Pakistan military also resorted to air intrusions using drones and firing of heavy calibre weapons along the Line of Control.

Along the international border and the Line of Control, air intrusions and several harassment attacks were also attempted from Srinagar till Naliya at more than 26 locations. Indian Armed Forces successfully neutralised these threats and majority of the vectors. However, limited damage was sustained to equipment and personnel at Indian Air Force stations at Udhampur, Pathankot, Adampur and Bhuj. There were also several high-speed missile attacks noticed subsequently after 0140 hours in the night at several air bases in Punjab.

In a deplorable cowardly act, targeting of civilian infrastructure also had taken place where Pakistan attacked the medicare centre and school premises at the air bases of Srinagar, Awantipora and Udhampur, yet again displaying irresponsible targeting of our civilian infrastructure.

In a swift and calibrated response, Indian Armed Forces carried out precision attacks only on identified military targets. These included technical infrastructure, command and control centres, radar sites and weapon storage areas. Pakistan military targets at Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian were engaged using air-launched precision weapons from our fighter aircrafts. Radar sites at Pasrur and Sialkot aviation base were also targeted using precision munitions. While carrying out these responses, India ensured minimum collateral damage.

Pakistan has also attempted to execute a continued malicious misinformation campaign with claims of destruction of Indian S-400 system at Adampur, destruction of airfields at Suratgarh and Sirsa, BrahMos base at Nagrota, RT gun positions at Dehrangyari and Chandigarh Forward Ammunition Depot; with heavy damages to other military stations being propagated on social media. India unequivocally rejects these false narratives being spread by Pakistan.

Along the Line of Control also, Pakistan has attempted multiple air intrusions using drones and conducted shelling using heavy-calibre RT guns, targeting civilian infrastructure and killing some civilians. Heavy exchange of artillery mortars and small-arm fire in Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri and Akhnoor sectors continued. Indian Army has responded effectively and proportionately, causing extensive damage to Pakistan Army.

Pak military has been observed to be moving their troops into forward areas, indicating offensive intent to further escalate the situation. Indian Armed Forces remain in a high state of operational readiness. All hostile actions have been effectively countered and responded appropriately."

On 10 May, the Director General of Military Operations of Pakistan called the Director General of Military Operations of India at 1535 hours IST. As a result of the call, both sides agreed to stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 1700 hours Indian Standard Time that day.

US President Donald Trump claimed credit for the ceasefire with the United States mediating "a long night of talks" between India and Pakistan, and also offered to act as mediator on the issue of Kashmir. New Delhi rejected both claims, stating that Pakistan had reached out to India directly, and that the US had not brokered the ceasefire. Moreover, India restated its "long-standing national position that any issues pertaining to the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir have to be addressed by India and Pakistan bilaterally. That stated policy has not changed".

In a 12 May 2025 address to the nation, Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi stated that "Operation Sindoor is not just a name but it's a reflection of the feelings of millions of people of the country. Operation 'Sindoor' is our unwavering commitment to justice.". In addition, he stated that

"The world saw how Pakistan's drones and missiles fell like straws in front of India. India's strong air defense system destroyed them in the sky itself. Pakistan had prepared for an attack on the border, but India struck at the heart of Pakistan. India's drones and missiles attacked with precision. They damaged those airbases of the Pakistani Air Forces, of which Pakistan was very proud. India caused heavy damage to Pakistan in the first three days itself, which it had never imagined. That's why after India's aggressive action, Pakistan started looking for ways to escape. Pakistan was pleading to the world to ease tensions. And after suffering heavy losses, Pakistan's army contacted our DGMO on the afternoon of 10th May. By then we had destroyed the infrastructure of terrorism on a large scale. The terrorists were eliminated. We had destroyed the terror camps established in the heart of Pakistan. Therefore, when Pakistan appealed and said that it will not indulge in any sort of terror activities or military audacity further, India considered it. And I am repeating again, we have just suspended our retaliatory action against Pakistan's terror and military camps. In the coming days we will measure every step of Pakistan on the criterion that what sort of attitude Pakistan will adopt ahead."

Prime Minister Modi concluded by saying that:

"After the surgical strike and air strike, now Operation Sindoor is India's policy against terrorism. Operation Sindoor has carved out a new benchmark in our fight against terrorism and has set up a new parameter and new normal.

First, If there is a terrorist attack on India, a fitting reply will be given.

We will give a befitting response on our terms only. We will take strict action at every place from where the roots of terrorism emerge.

Secondly, India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. India will strike precisely and decisively at the terrorist hideouts developing under the cover of nuclear blackmail.

Thirdly, we will not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism. During Operation Sindoor the world has again seen the ugly face of Pakistan, when top Pakistani army officers came to bid farewell to the slain terrorists. This is strong evidence of state-sponsored terrorism.We will continue to take decisive steps to protect India and our citizens from any threat."

On 15 May 2025, Pakistan's Prime Minister mentionned confirmation about the "successful downing of a sixth Indian aircraft on the night of 6/ 7 May, a Mirage-2000 near Pampore east of Srinagar" during a visit to the Pakistan Air Force's operational base at Kamra.

Sindoor

Sindoor is a traditional cosmetic powder, usually vermillin red or orange-red in color, usually worn by Hindu women to denote their marital status. Worn either as a line or a dot in the parting of the hair or on the forehead, it is removed when the women becomes widowed. The choice of Sindoor as the name of the operatoin was interpreted as signaling India's desire to avenge the women who had become widowed as a result of the Pahalgam terrosist attack.

The choice of Sindoor was also taken as a nod to right-wing Hindu groups, the traditional political base of the Hindu nationalist government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With its largely male-driven views, some criticism was leveled about how this was instumentalizing traditional gender roles to justify a military response, with V. Geetha, a feminist historian who writes about gender, caste and class, being quoted in the New York Times as saying that "women figure in it as objects to be protected or as mother figures goading their men to prove their heroism". The New York Times referenced one of the victims, whose husband was killed in the Pahalgam attack and who went from a symbol to rally around to a target of attacks and vilification for calling for "peace, and only peace".

Pahalgam Terrorist Attack

The 07 May 2025 attacks followed a 22 April 2025 terrorist attack in the town of Pahalgam in the Indian-administered Kashmir in which 26 tourists (25 Indians and one Nepali citizen) were killed. India immediately blamed Pakistan for the violence and vowed to respond.

Responsibility for the attack was claimed by a group calling itself The Resistance Front (TRF), but which India claimed was a front for the UN-proscribed Pakistani terrorist group, Lashkar-e-Taiba. As described by Shri Vikram Misri, Indian Foreign Secretary, in a 07 May 2025 briefing, "It is notable that India had given inputs about the TRF in the half-yearly report to the Monitoring Team of the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee in May and November 2024, bringing out its role as a cover for Pakistan-based terrorist groups. Earlier too, in December 2023, India had informed the monitoring team about LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammad operating through small terror groups such as the TRF. Pakistan's pressure to remove references to TRF in the April 25 UN Security Council Press Statement is notable in this regard."

Pakistan denied any involvement in the attack. Instead it claimed the incident to be a false-flag operation by India and that it had intelligence that India was planning to attack.

On 23 April 2025, in response to the Pahalgam attack, India closed the Wagah-Attari border crossing, and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty it shared with Pakistan. That water-sharing agreement governing the use of six rivers in the Indus Basin had been mediated by the World Bank and signed in 1960. Pakistan said could be considered "an act of war" given the country's existential reliance on the water supplied by those rivers. Islamabad responded by suspending visas issued to Indian nationals, closing its airspace to Indian airlines, and test-firing several long-range missiles; the Abdali surface-to-surface missile (with a range of 450 kilometers) on 03 May and the FATAH Series surface-to-surface missile on 05 May 2025.